Author: Erlang Shen
-
Serqet, also known as Serket, Selket, or Selqet, was a prominent scorpion goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology. Generally recognized for her protective qualities, she also exhibited a more menacing aspect. Serqet was believed to have control over venomous creatures such as snakes and scorpions, much like the deities Meretseger and Isis. It was thought that…
-
Roman Religion: An Overview Roman religion, synonymous with Roman mythology, refers to the beliefs and practices held by the inhabitants of the Italian Peninsula from ancient times until Christianity emerged as the dominant faith in the 4th century CE, a period recognized as Classical antiquity. According to Cicero, a prominent Roman orator and politician, the…
-
In the Roman calendar, the yearly timeline included three distinctive days for each month: the Kalends, Nones, and Ides. The “Kalends” marked the beginning of the month, and this term is the root of the modern word “calendar”. The “Nones” signified earlier days within the month, tracing its origins to the word for “nine”, as…
-
Ancient Egyptian religion encompasses the intrinsic spiritual beliefs of ancient Egypt, stretching from the predynastic era (around the 4th millennium BCE) until the gradual decline of traditional customs in the early centuries of the Common Era. To grasp the historical context, a review of Egypt’s history is invaluable. Historical Context and Nature of Beliefs Religious…
-
Terminus: The Roman Protector of Boundaries In Roman mythology, Terminus stands as the deity presiding over boundary markers that define the edges of properties and communities. The very name of Terminus derives from the Latin word for boundary stone, illustrating the explicit connection between the god and these significant markers. Romans considered the placement of…
-
Welcome to another chapter in our series, “Deities of Good Fortune.” Previously, we examined figures such as St. Anthony, Ekeko, Lakshmi, Mami Wata, and the Seven Lucky Gods. Today, we turn our focus back to the ancient Roman world and explore the intriguing Roman Goddess known as Fortuna. In our exploration, we must acknowledge the…
-
In the northwestern district of suburban Cairo, beneath 20 meters of earth, lies ancient Iwn, a city intertwined with both development and historical enigma, renowned for its role in the mythology of creation. Known to the Greeks as Heliopolis, the “City of the Sun-God,” and referred to by Arabs as Ain-Shams, or “Eye of the…
-
Apophis: The Eternal Adversary of Ra In ancient Egyptian mythology, Apophis, or Apep, embodies the chaotic forces that oppose the sun god Ra. This Great Serpent represents a significant threat, aiming to extinguish Ra’s light and disrupt the cycle of day and night. Ra’s solar barge would navigate the sky from morning till evening, descending…
-
The Role of Poseidon in Greek Mythology Poseidon, known by the Romans as Neptunus, is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, revered as the Olympian god of the sea, horses, earthquakes, and storms. He is typically represented as a robust, bearded man grasping a trident—a symbol of his dominion over water. Mythical Accounts The mythology…
-
In the enchanting realm of ancient Celtic mythology, Rhiannon emerges as a mesmerizing and mysterious character. Celebrated as the goddess of love, beauty, and the Otherworld, she has inspired hearts and imaginations across generations. This article embarks on an exploration of the multifaceted nature of Rhiannon, highlighting her narratives, symbolism, and cultural significance in Celtic…